Northern State University

"I swam for him for one year and transferred as soon as I could. During my recruiting process he was the coach I dreamed about. He was responsive, told me the training set up that would be tailored to me etc. It wasn’t until I got to campus early for the Brown County Fair that I realized how socially awkward he was. I chalked it up to there is a bunch of new freshman that he has yet to be around like the returning swimmers. The first big red flag I got was during a practice he made us get out of the water and run BAREFOOT ON THE TRACK with nothing but our swimsuits and caps on. All while this was being recorded for the Instagram (never got posted). Additionally he canceled 18 swim practices first semester alone. Let's just say I'm almost 100% sure that I swam more at the y then with Kaden. He also had a tendency to say things without thinking. There are three that come to mind. The first one before the pentathlon at UMary where we were doing a t-shirt relay he told us, without promoting, "the widest girls go first on relays." I remember we all stood there and were like what? Since when does weight have anything to do with relay order. But looking back it makes sense because he could never put decent relays together. The second thing he said to me privately. I was asking about the set and faster intervals because I knew my lane mate and I could do it easily. Instead of saying no and giving me an explanation he told me "you need to learn to shut up and swim like a good girl." Excuse me what? And finally the last thing that was spoken to me was at my end of season meeting. He had gotten wind that I was planning on transferring and instead of trying to get me to stay, I was the only one that could swim my events, he basically said bye and "he wasted his calories coaching me". So yeah, after one year of swimming for that man I was diagnosed with a more severe anxiety and a new diagnosis of depression. If you are looking to swim here I beg you no. NSU is a fantastic school and I'm sad to leave it but I honestly don't think I could put up with Kaden anymore than I already have."

"I quit because of him and all of the harassment he put me through."

"A very old school mentality of coaching and does not care about mental health at all. When I would talk about my mental health with him, he would just ask, "did you talk to your family?". I don't think he ever asked me once if I was ever okay. The communication from him was horrible & almost non-existent and most things fell to the GA to handle without any guidance. He also never swam in college, so knows nothing about the grind of being a college athlete and what it fully entails. He will sweet talk you during your visit, but really pay attention to how many swimmers have quit or transferred and what the current athletes have to say. "

"Waiting in the wings for Dean Berry's eventual resignation/firing. Program is in greats hands going forward and might actually have an above .500 record as a coach. Led high school team to state championship and demands a culture of accountability and greatness. "

"If you want somebody to coach your program and establish a culture of mediocrity but keep your team GPA up, this is your guy. The safe pick if you want somebody to live in town with their family and kinda be involved in the community, but not care about getting any better. His well below .500 career record speaks for itself. Does a great job establishing and maintaining a culture of mediocrity (if that)."

"He needs to go. Old school mentality has not evolved with the game"

"Extremely positive, energetic and motivational, showed tremendous care for his players, helped players succeed in all aspects of life. A true “players coach” "

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"Can be difficult to get along with at times but has a great work ethic and cares to make things stronger and better if you care also. "

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